We're starting 2017 off by offering you some insight towards a new year of jewelry & fashion trends.

There's always speculation over what's on the way IN and what's on the way OUT. Predictions are hard to keep up with. Luckily, we've compiled a graph of jewelry shopping data for you!

This Google data compiled from the past 30 days is based off shopping searches. It's representative of what people were looking to buy, not general searches.

• Charms are the clear leader.

• Pearls and Chokers follow in a close second and third.

• Ear Cuffs' popularity is fleeting

• Interest in Arm Cuffs seems non-existent (you can just barely see a sliver of purple in between the red and green segments representing interest in Arm Cuffs).

We chose to examine these five jewelry categories because they were mentioned the most frequently in fashion publications projecting jewelry trends for 2017.

Industry giant, Elle put out their “Spring 2017 Jewelry Trends” gallery. There’s a lot to sort through here, but in running through the common themes, Elle emphasizes oversized jewelry, ear cuffs, 80’s hoop earrings, charms and crucifixes.

While many of the items in their gallery fall under “high fashion”, we think it’s likely you’ll see a demand in these listed categories.

Elle isn’t the only outlet reporting on an increase in crucifix pieces either – Vogue did the same. It will be interesting to see how these pieces are implemented and whether or not they take off in 2017's realm of fashion.

If you take a look at Vogue’s “Jewelry and Fashion Trends 2017”, you’ll notice that they place an emphasis on Ear Cuffs, Arm Cuffs, Chokers and Charms, in addition to others.

Like Elle, another style Vogue places heavy emphasis on is OVERSIZED pieces. Long necklaces and large earrings are at the forefront of fashion currently and are poised to remain at the top.

Of course, Vogue is in the realm of high fashion, and many of the styles promoted in their magazine are not likely to catch on as hot trends for the general public. As you can see from the graph above, the levels of shopping interest for ear cuffs and arm cuffs is lacking, let alone some of the flashier and more niche styles they mention in their predictions.

In our opinion, though, if you’re hoping to anticipate what most day-to-day customers will be shopping for, then JCK’s “7 Jewelry Trends That Will Define 2017” is probably your greatest predictor.

Like Vogue and Elle, JCK places heavy emphasis on the “bigger is better” mentality. They mention the throwback 1980’s style and the comeback of large uncut minerals. Additionally, they draw attention to the popularity of pearls and charm bracelets/necklaces.

These are the types of jewelry pieces that are affordable, can be worn everyday and - depending on personal fashion tastes – can oscillate between understated or statement styles. In reading industry trends, publications and blogs, we think JCK’s predictions are the most likely to prepare you for jewelry demands. 

As always, speculation and predictions should be taken with a grain of salt. Industry publications have been wrong before and the future is never 100% certain. With that being said, however, the graph above represents SOLID DATA on what consumers have been shopping for online.

Conclusions

Like with fashion, jewelry trends are constantly changing and evolving. As a jewelry store owner, it's important that you stay on top of the latest trends, so you can adjust your inventory accordingly. After compiling data from industry publications, online blogs, sales statistics and trending keywords...

Here's what we think will be 2017's biggest jewelry styles...

Pearls

Pearls will continue to make a big comeback in the New Year. Once viewed as old-fashioned and outdated, pearls have been reinvented for the young and trendy woman.

Pearls— whether real or faux— are becoming a fashion staple for fashionistas everywhere, not just your grandmother. In addition to the classic and sophisticated pearl necklace or earring, pearls have taken a modern twist with edgier designs that use contrasting textures.

Pearls are being paired with gems, gold bands, spikes and more to create a unique but chic piece.

Raw Gemstones

Traditionally, people have idolized diamonds and gemstones with clean and perfect cuts. But now there's a growing craze for raw and textured gemstones with rough cuts and organic shapes.

With raw stones, the pieces are more eccentric and unique, providing a one-of-a-kind piece that earns attention. Colored gemstones have also gained more popularity, and jewelry-wearers are going to be less matchy-matchy and more inclined to pair contrasting colors and materials.

Statement Chokers

A beloved 90's trend, chokers came back in 2016, and this trend will continue to gain more traction in the coming year. But, instead of the thin, simple chokers that were once super popular, statement chokers will be a big style. Chokers will feature more intricate designs and more vibrant colors, and people will opt for these edgy styles to get noticed.

When adding these and other trending jewelry styles to your inventory, remember to use
anti tarnish bags and paper to keep your pieces protected and pristine!